CARACAS, Dec 31, (V7N) – Venezuela’s Supreme Tribunal of Justice has fined social media giant TikTok $10 million, citing negligence for its role in facilitating viral challenges that resulted in the deaths of three adolescents and the intoxication of 200 others across the country.

Judge Tania D’Amelio, who presided over the ruling, stated that TikTok failed to take “necessary and adequate measures” to prevent the spread of harmful content encouraging dangerous challenges. The court also ordered TikTok, owned by China’s ByteDance, to establish a physical office in Venezuela and imposed an eight-day deadline for payment, warning of “appropriate measures” if the company fails to comply.

A Fund for Victims

The $10 million penalty will be used to establish a TikTok Victims Fund, aimed at compensating individuals—especially children and adolescents—who have suffered psychological, emotional, or physical harm from such content.

“The company told the court it understands the seriousness of the matter,” Judge D’Amelio said during the announcement.

Tragic Outcomes of Viral Challenges

The ruling follows widespread reports from Venezuelan authorities of social media challenges involving chemical substances, leading to severe consequences in schools nationwide.

Three adolescents tragically lost their lives, and 200 others suffered intoxication after participating in these challenges, which reportedly encouraged the ingestion of hazardous substances.

While TikTok’s popularity has largely been fueled by the viral appeal of its challenges—ranging from harmless dances to jokes—concerns have mounted over the platform’s role in amplifying potentially hazardous trends.

TikTok’s Policies Under Fire

TikTok’s official policies prohibit content promoting self-harm or suicide. However, Venezuelan authorities argue the platform has not effectively enforced these rules.

In November, President Nicolás Maduro issued a stern warning to TikTok, threatening “severe measures” if it failed to remove content linked to what he described as “criminal challenges.”

Social Media Regulation in Venezuela

The incident has reignited debate over social media regulation in Venezuela. Parliament is currently deliberating new laws aimed at regulating platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter).

President Maduro, who has faced international scrutiny over his reelection in July, accused social media platforms of fostering “hate,” “fascism,” and “division.” He has also singled out billionaire Elon Musk, alleging that X has been used to orchestrate “attacks against Venezuela.”

A Global Challenge for TikTok

This ruling adds to TikTok’s growing legal and regulatory challenges worldwide. While the platform remains one of the most popular apps globally, its viral challenges—ranging from lighthearted trends to dangerous stunts—have drawn criticism and legal scrutiny in multiple countries.

As Venezuela imposes strict penalties, the case sets a precedent for holding social media platforms accountable for the content they host. The coming days will reveal whether TikTok will comply with the court's orders, and how this decision may influence regulations in other regions grappling with the balance between creative expression and user safety.

END/WD/RH/